Iskar Gorge, Skaklia Waterfall and Cherepish Monastery / Bulgaria

INTRODUCTION:

^{The emphasis of this day tour is to experience the spectacular Iskar Gorge landscape at first hand through short walks to hidden nature landmarks not seen from a tour bus. Enjoy stunning mountain scenery, caves, amazing rock formations, spectacular waterfalls and Cherepish monastery dating back the 14th-century in a day tour from Sofia!}

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

^{♦ Incredible journey in the spectacular Iskar River Gorge

♦ Scenic walk to Skaklia Waterfall (120 m)}

^{♦ The karst spring Zhitolub and Lakatnik rocks

♦ The rich biodiversity of the Western Balkan mountains

♦ Cherepish Monastery founded in the 14th-century}

DATES: Daily from 1 April to 30 Nov
DURATION: 1 day
DIFFICULTY: Easy

GROUP SIZE: Min. 2 persons
PRICE: 110 € per person
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INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

^{Pick up / drop off at your hotel or address in Sofia ♦ all transfers with private car or bus as per itinerary ♦ licensed mountain guide member of UIMLA ♦ guidance in in Cherepich Monastery and throughout the tour ♦ all local taxes}

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
^{Lunch and beverages (allow 5€ - 6€ for lunch pack or 10€ - 13€ for 3 course lunch in a restaurant) ♦ travel insurance ♦ tips}

TESTIMONILAS:
^{"It was an amazing trip. We decided to book the trip one day before, and Azimut Tours were so friendly and considerate, and they did not give us hard time when we booked it, they were supper friendly and helpful.

Our guide "Nada", who was supper friendly, picked us up from the hotel in the morning as agreed, and during our drive to Iskar Gorge, she answered every question we had in mind about Bulgaria. she is very knowledgeable. The hike was super awesome and enjoyed the hike it self, where Nada took us different way from the one that we took to go up the mountain, the nature, and the lunch that we had at the simple restaurant. The Cherepish Monastery was a great stop too. We enjoyed every bit of the trip, and Nada is A++ guide.... Thanks Nada for the great day!" - Shereen Hiiazi, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (review from TripAdvisor)}
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g294452-d10085017-r400088295-Azimut_Tours-Sofia_Sofia_Region.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT

ITINERARY:

^{We will pick you up from your hotel or address in Sofia around 8 am for a scenic journey in the spectacular Iskar River Gorge to the village of Gara Bov. The walk begins from the outskirts of the village with a gentle ascent in a fairy forest and within 45 minutes we are under the mist of Skaklia – one of the tallest waterfalls in Bulgaria (120 m). The walk continues to the top of the waterfall where we may have lunch admiring breathtaking panoramas of the Iskar River Ravine from the edge of the over 200 meters high cliffs. This picturesque area has inspired Ivan Vazov, one of the best Bulgarian writers of all time for some of his best works. Later we walk downhill on a different route offering great panoramas of the gorge, passing by lush meadows where many orchids can be seen in spring and early summer (such as Orchis Morio and Orchis Tridentata). We reach the van and the trip continues with a scenic journey dowstream the river to one of the biggest karst springs in Bulgaria – “Zhitolub”. In rainy days the flow of the spring reaches 1200 L per minute! We stop there for a short walk before heading towards the Cherepish Monastery, founded in the 14th century. We visit the monastery and passing by the Ritlite nature phenomenon we head towards Sofia.}

^{Walking time: approx. 3 hours

Total ascent / descent: approx. 480 m

Bus / car transfers duration: approx. 4 hours / 195 km}